Whats needed when upgrading to a HO alternator?
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Central California
Whats needed when upgrading to a HO alternator? hey all... ok i know next to nothing about electronics, so bear with me! i just got a new high output alternator from ebay, and i was told i need a 4 gauge negative battery cable? like i said, i'm not as familiar with the electronic side of things, so what all is needed when installing a HO alternator?
i have a full stereo system(deck, speakers, amp) that was installed 2-3 years ago and they put in a bunch of other crap too. i'll post some pics of my engine bay in a little while, as there is some **** in there i dont recognize! thanks for the help!
i have a full stereo system(deck, speakers, amp) that was installed 2-3 years ago and they put in a bunch of other crap too. i'll post some pics of my engine bay in a little while, as there is some **** in there i dont recognize! thanks for the help!
Last edited by RooRnZ28; Sep 7, 2007 at 09:32 PM.
I just ordered mine as well from ebay so I guess we'll be doing the same install!! I will be upgrading my grounds regardless just because while I'm under there it's a good upgrade to do. I have already upgraded in other areas like behind the dash to the radio. Which one did you get?? The 160 or the 200amp? I went with the brand new 160 as my stocker lasted 176,000 miles and was only 105amp so I figured 160 should do just fine, epecially when its new and not remanufactured.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Central California
well i got a "load boss" 235 amp one. i figured the bigger the better, as i got lots of **** to power and the stock one just cant keep up! sitting at a light with my stereo on medium and the radar detector on, and the voltage drops to the redline below 13.
and i cant find my damn camera so no pics yet
and i cant find my damn camera so no pics yet
Dang, a 235? I'm looking into my options as well. My car can't keep up with the high speed fans on constantly and the lights/accessories/goodies at the track since it doesn't run for long but sucks alot of power fast
I doubt that thing puts out 235, probably does 1/4 of that at idle.
Anyway. It'd be a good idea to upgrade the big 3. Wire from alt to batt, batt to d-block, and ground.
More amps need bigger wire to flow through. 4 gauge MINIMUM.
Anyway. It'd be a good idea to upgrade the big 3. Wire from alt to batt, batt to d-block, and ground.
More amps need bigger wire to flow through. 4 gauge MINIMUM.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Central California
lol, 235 at idle?? maybe more like 160.... 235 is the peak number. it came with a "dyno sheet" that shows the alt. output at different rpms.
so pretty much get bigger wires going to everything...
so pretty much get bigger wires going to everything...
Originally Posted by 95bat
I doubt that thing puts out 235, probably does 1/4 of that at idle.
Anyway. It'd be a good idea to upgrade the big 3. Wire from alt to batt, batt to d-block, and ground.
More amps need bigger wire to flow through. 4 gauge MINIMUM.
Anyway. It'd be a good idea to upgrade the big 3. Wire from alt to batt, batt to d-block, and ground.
More amps need bigger wire to flow through. 4 gauge MINIMUM.
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hmmmmmmm, I too just got a 160, sounds like I'll be doing the wires too. What do you guys think of this mod? Anybody try this?
http://www.ls1speed.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000096
http://www.ls1speed.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000096
I picked up a 200amp Alterstart one last year and have been happy with it so far. I ordered their $25 4ga cable, and I believe I ran that between my alternator and my distribution block. I figured that was the best way to improve my "big 3" without replacing them at the time.
I've had no charging issues whatsoever, and I can turn up my Jensen JXP-720 and eD 11kv at 2ohm setup up about as loud as I can handle it, and I can BARELY see my headlights dim with the big hits at idle. Voltage gauge doesn't drop visibly at all. Running an 8ga power wire to the amp as of now. Will be upgrading the big 3 and running a 4ga to the rear when I replace the Jensen and add a second amp for the mids.
I've had no charging issues whatsoever, and I can turn up my Jensen JXP-720 and eD 11kv at 2ohm setup up about as loud as I can handle it, and I can BARELY see my headlights dim with the big hits at idle. Voltage gauge doesn't drop visibly at all. Running an 8ga power wire to the amp as of now. Will be upgrading the big 3 and running a 4ga to the rear when I replace the Jensen and add a second amp for the mids.
Originally Posted by RooRnZ28
lol, 235 at idle?? maybe more like 160.... 235 is the peak number. it came with a "dyno sheet" that shows the alt. output at different rpms.
so pretty much get bigger wires going to everything...
so pretty much get bigger wires going to everything...
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,392
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From: Central California
{EDIT} here is the sheet. damn scanners!!
also the numbers are in Alt. RPM, not engine RPM. divide the Alt. RPM by 3 to get the engine RPM. at 900rpms, it puts out 150-160 amps
note in the sheet shows it the Alt peaks at 266 amps at ~3000 rpms
also the numbers are in Alt. RPM, not engine RPM. divide the Alt. RPM by 3 to get the engine RPM. at 900rpms, it puts out 150-160 amps
note in the sheet shows it the Alt peaks at 266 amps at ~3000 rpms
Last edited by RooRnZ28; Sep 8, 2007 at 02:54 PM.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
That's interesting...their 200 amp alternator puts out more current at idle than their 235 amp. I just put the 200A Alterstart alternator in my car today. It puts out 58.9A at 1600, 89.1A at 1800, and 114.5A at 2000 (alternator speed, divide by 3 for engine RPM). That's twice the output at 600RPM engine idle speed.
wow those are some expensive alternators. I think it will be worth it though. Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll go with the 200, I'd like a little more at idle at the track
Originally Posted by 95bat
LOL that alternator doesn't put out hardly anything at idle. I think you wasted your money.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,392
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From: Central California
Originally Posted by 95bat
LOL that alternator doesn't put out hardly anything at idle. I think you wasted your money.
well i think 150-160 amps is pretty good at idle, but thanks for the input
i think you just wasted your time with your post...
but anyways.... my car is far from stock. with my cam, the car idles at 800-900 rpms, not 500. plus i have lots more things to power at WOT, so this alternator will work just fine for me.
Originally Posted by RooRnZ28
but anyways.... my car is far from stock. with my cam, the car idles at 800-900 rpms, not 500 so this alternator will work just fine for me.
Like I said, different cars have different setups and requirments. I found what I needed thanks to this thread, and will be buying one VERY soon.